Since 1993 for most of the newest generation of Philly fans the thought of the Phils in the postseason reminded you of one thing. Joe Carter. Carter was the villian that crushed the entire city's hopes in '93 for a World Series title since 1980 team. Some of us are still waiting for that Joe Carters homerun to hit the ground. That's why making the playoffs last year felt like winning the championship almost. It really did, just for a young minute.
We'll that sigh of relief you hear is the entire Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware Valley. The Phillies put the Dodgers out of their misery last night and are on the way to the World Series. It was obvious if you remotely followed either team that the Phillies were the better team no matter how much the media wanted and tried desperately to convince you otherwise. Of course they wanted the Manny vs. Bosox circus. Which would have definitely been the G.O.A.T. circus. However good Manny is, and he was video game-like. There was no way he was going to beat Howard, Rollins, Utley, Burrell, Victorino, Hamels and Lidge by himself. It was basically Manny vs. Many.
Something is going on in the air in Philly right now. Somewhere in between all the laughs at work, a McCain supporter telling me he's now voting for O'Bama this morning or the old white lady sitting in her car and actually didn't lock her door as I walked past her car... there's definitely a better vibe. That being said you can also feel a ire of disbelief because in Philly you always get the carpet pulled from under you at the last minute. Rhonde Barber is still running down the sideline as we speak.
I'm not sure if the Phillies are better off facing the Rays or the Sox (Rays up 5-0 as I write). Do they want Boston and their rowdy fans, who has been there before and seems to be owed at least one Championship per year? Or do they want the Rays, they have laid back fans and although a easier environment to play in, the teams seems to be riding a magic carpet. I'm not sure who you root for if your a Phillies fan.
My advice to Philly fans is to relax and breathe. I know that sick feeling you can almost feel in your stomach, reminders of McNabb vomiting reappear and of the Lakers closing out the Sixers in '01. The cloud of a city so scared to succeed somehow hovers over the sports teams in the biggest moments. This time just relax and enjoy the ride and like the stories of the '83 Sixers and '80 Phillies were told to you, maybe one day you'll be telling the story of the 2008 Phillies.
At least for right now, It really is sunny in Philadelphia.
OBAMA IS A TERRIOST
that ain't right
I'm going to party hard this weekend man, it's going to be an extravaganza in the city.
Philly has to root for the Red Sox. Tampa always beats them for their titles.
Good Point. I don't know if Philly could stomacj another loss to Tampa. The thought here is no way the sports god deem Tampa Bay more worthy the Philly fans again. THat can't be possible... Can it?